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The Road to Web designing

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31 July 2012

A website will be able to cater well to its users and readers if both the web designers and writers will work as one to come up with a website with readable web contents of good usability. Any website that merely looks beautiful and attractive but lacks usability is useless. This is the more important thing to consider because without good web usability, one will not be able to reach out to their readers effectively. Whatever is the website’s target audience, same principle applies. Web usability is of great importance.

In order to do that, there are some things that one has to bear in mind. This is the part where the designers and the writers work hand in hand. Read on the tips below so you could understand the role of the writers for good website usability. But before the writers become part of it, it is the web designers that make it friendly for the users. So, take a look at our tips below for good web usability.

1. Have good navigation.

It is always important that your website has good navigation. You can do this by placing your navigation buttons on areas that can be easily noticed. Organize your categories andarchives well. Guiding the users well can give them a good user experience and this will even make them stay on the website for long because they can easily find what they are looking for.

2. Use taglines.

Tagline is a statement that represents the website’s mission and philosophies. Using a tagline can let the users know what the website is all about in just one look. Using a tagline can immediately capture the attention of the users and they will even be invited to browse the website. Without a tagline, your users will seemingly be blinded on what the site is.

3. Have a site search.

Allow your users to explore your site by placing a site search. This will surely increase their usability. Users always want to find some information and it would be a lot easier for them to get them by merely typing keywords in your search bar. This will allow them to get into the information they need. They wil surley be pleased to find it at once and would browse the site even more.

4. Use headings to break sections.

Another good way for good website usability is by using headers for every section. This can tell the readers where they are and what they would be reading. Doing this seemingly divides the entire website into simpler chunks that would be a lot easier to understand and digest. It would also be friendly for the eyes of the users. When you place headings, use simple and concise ones.

5. Avoid much flash.

Some sites use flash for other areas of their sites but it would not be good if you use too much flash because it can slow down your site. It will surely leave a negative impression for the user because he was not able to view what he wants to see at once. Some readers are not patient to see some items. They will just leave the site and look for other sites that can easily give them what they need.

6. Use a site map.

Site maps improve search engine optimization and page navigation. A site map can help the users see what the entire site had been posting. He could also see and understand how the whole site’s architecture. Having a site map can greatly improve user’s usability. They can even spot some interesting things there which they might want to view.

7. Use interesting visuals.

Websites usually make use of photos, videos, charts, graphs and other visual stuff to show something. Make use of it effectively by choosing the right ones that can truly convey your message. Aside of sending info, it can also add appeal to your site and can also enhance readability. Make sure your images have something to do with the context of your posts so that they will go together effectively.

8. Place concise contents.

Do not make posts that are too long. This can only bore your readers and they might not even read it especially if they see long paragraphs. Be straight to the point and avoid using some unnecessary information. Also, make use of words that are easy to understand so that anyone reading it can grasps the meaning of what you are writing. Avoid using long paragraphs and sentences for they look heavy to the eyes and are not comprehensive for reading.

9. Make easy to read web pages.

Since most people actually scan pages and look into interesting headlines, titles, texts in bold and lists, you have to make sure that your pages are easy to read. If not, you will lose your readers. Although, there are really people who read the entire content of a site, some people just don’t do that. They will only try to take what you want to relay through your headings and images.

10. Consider negative space.

Your readers will find it much easier to read your text and look into your site if you make use of negative space. That includes the spaces between your letters and the spaces from your text to your images. The space can drastically affect the legibility of the contents. See to it that you give each design element enough space to breath. Doing so can also make it lighter for the reader’s eyes.

It’s Your Turn Now

Every website sees to it that it is able to have good usability to make sure that the users and readers could easily chew on what they want to convey. Having good website usability is also an effective way to attract visitors to view your website. One will surely have a good user experience once your site offers good usability. Would you like to add some tipsabove? Feel free to do that.

23 July 2012

When promoting a product, service or a company, a landing page would surely be a good option. This is so true when it comes to online business marketing especially that most of us are browsing the internet everyday to get information. Landing pages can reach thousands and millions of people around the globe which can be very helpful for your promotion. For this reason, numerous landing pages are seen online and it also became a challenge on how each one can effectively get the attention of their target audience.

Well, your landing page will fail if you are not able to grab the attention of the readers and let them set their eyes on your contents. You will also fail to give them a good offer that would be helpful for them and for your company as well. You will also fail to lead them to your website’s homepage on on other pages of the site. So, to help you come up with an attractive landing page design, we have here some points for you to ponder on. These 10 things could be the basic points that will help you attract your target audience and might even by your key to a successful business. Remember that part of having an effective landing page is by making it attractive. Read on the tips below:

1. Have a good layout.

Layout is how you place all the design elements. Make sure that it will work and would be effective in conveying a message. Do that by having a good layout which includes proper placement of images and text. Observe balance and be sure that they are arranged in a manner that the reader can determine which one is more important. Avoid a cluttered layout because it will only confuse the readers. Make it look organized and neat to aid for good usability.

2. Create a clean look using white space.

Some may not really understand the value of white space but it is very much important especially when we speak of getting the attention of the readers. White space is very powerful in making a landing page and other layouts very attractive. This makes the entire look easy and friendly to the eyes. So, use ample white space by placing it around the important elements of the landing page. White space or negative space gives the landing page a cleaner and fresher look.

3. Make it colorful.

Most people are attracted to colors. Use that for your landing page. But see to it that you are using colors that are relevant to the page and the company it represents. Also, take note of color psychology and how it can affect the visitors. This way, you will be able to use the right colors and attract the users at the same time.

4. Use contrasting colors to highlight elements.

There could be some elements in your landing page that you would like to give emphasis like your call to action. You can do that by using contrasting colors. This can let your text pop and would attract the readers to it. The readers can easily see your call to action if you make use of contrasting colors. Aside from your call to action, use contrasts on other parts of your design.

5. Guide the user’s eyes by using a cartoon.

You can place a character or a mascot to areas that you want your readers to look. Let that character stare at that part or point at that part so that the reader’s eyes will also be guided towards it. Just be sure that the character you will use is relevant to the landing page and not just any character.

6. Be straight to the point.

Avoid running around the bush. Be direct on what you want to say. This can immediately give the users an idea on what your landing page is about. Also, it wouldn’t be a hassle for the readers that they would need to reader much stuff only to find out that it is not actually what you want to say and they will only get what you mean at the bottom part. Avoid doing that because they will only feel like you have wasted their time.

7. Build trust.

If you fail for this point, you will also fail to get that client. Every user sees to it that they will not get involved with anything that would cause them harm or my compromise themselves. They always want to make sure that the information they leave are safe and that they are doing a transaction that is also safe. So, build trust by the time the user lands on your page. You can do that by following the tips on how to increase trust for a landing page.

8. Place images of good quality.

When you place an image, choose those that have high quality. Be sure that it looks sharp on the page and not blurry. If you place blurry images, it would decrease the landing page’s value and would even look cheap and unprofessional. Also, when you choose images, be sure that it is something that can help you relay information relevant to the landing page. Place them on the right spots. images also play a great role in attracting the target audience. Bear in mind also that when you use http://image.naldzgraphics.net/2012/06, it has to be small in size but of good quality and is attractive.

9. Play with typography.

Well, this does not necessarily mean that you will just use whatever type you want and place them wherever you want. While you are being creative, see to it that you also consider proper balance and placement. Also, make use of the right typography font that would convey the right information. Some landing pages uses minimal images and more on typography but they still work well. This is because of the right choice of type and the right layouting.

10. Have a clear call to action.

This is one important factor. If you want the landing page to be attractive, then you have to place a clear call to action. You do not need to place many calls to action. One call to action could be enough as long as you designed it rightly. Use a color that is not used on other parts of the page and let it appear above the fold. You can also read more tips on how to design an effective call to action.

It’s Your Turn Now

Having an attractive landing page could give countless advantages to you and your business. You will not just impress the users but you will also get good conversion and less bounce rates. For sure, when you create an effective and attractive landing page, you will be able to get to your goals. Do you see other landing page designs that you find attractive? You might want to share those us.

17 July 2012

Making use of colors for your business and marketing is an advantage. Bear in mind that colors are not just for appeal and aesthetics but it also play a vital role in marketing. Colors are of big importance when it comes to marketing materials that includes business cards. There are persuasive effects of colors and that can be explained through the different color meanings or color psychology. Not all may be aware of how color can affect people’s reactions and emotions but as designers, we should be aware of this.

Since colors are vital for attracting the clients, one should be able to use the right color for business card. We have already given you some tips on how to effectively use color psychology for web design. Now, we will help you to choose colors for your business card. Read on some tips below that would guide you on your steps towards selecting the apt colors for a business card design to be effective in your industry. Here they are:

1. Look into your industry.

For every industry, there would be a different color to use because every industry or niche would use a different color for better identification. Like some would choose to use orange if the industry is for food or maybe for kids. Black is for apparels that show elegance or are luxurious. Every color shows a different industry. So, be sure you know what fits yours. Some may combine colors which can also be apt for arts and design.

Determine the group of people that you want to reach. This can help you to choose the colors that would be attractive for that audience. If you are targeting younger people, you can use bright colors and do away with brown or black because it looks boring for them. If your audience are for a specific industry, then choose a color that would suit it. Like if it is for a flower business, you can use red, yellow or orange or even a mixture of that.

3. Know the color psychology.

Color psychology refers to the meaning of colors and how it can affect those who look at it. Since every color has a different meaning, it should be used according to it. If not, your business card and your business as well might fail. So, look into the different color psychology and choose those that fit your business.

4. Know your company colors.

If you already have company colors, then it would be a lot easier for you to choose which colors to use for your business card. You can use your company colors and just add some accent colors to it. Just highlight the company colors because this is part of the company’s branding.

5. Consider the color wheel.

Well, when it comes to colors, you always need to consider the basis of how these colors are made and combined. Using the color wheel can guide you on what colors can create a good combination. You will never fail if you use this as your guide. There are color wheels that can be downloaded online. You will surely be able to use this a lot for designing. From that, choose the right color scheme for your design.

6. Choose a color that is timeless.

Along with choosing your colors is considering how long it would stay in the market. If you choose a color that is timeless, it will be able to give you a better identity. Clients could recognize your business even if you already exist for a long time. Using the right colors can help you acquire a more established and effective branding.

7. Determine how you want the client to react.

Since every color has a different effect to those looking at it, you need to know how you want your clients to react. The reaction of the clients will also depend on the color you use. Decide if you want them to be amazed, motivated, valued, relaxed or anything. This can help you choose your colors.

8. Use your website colors.

Establish cohesion between your website and your business card by using your site’s colors. It would be a lot easier for your client to connect your business card to your site. It can give them easy recognition that would be good for your business. At least, when you do that, you will no longer have a hard time choosing colors. Also, if you use the same fonts, there would surely be a good brand identity for your business.

9. Decide on the overall image you to convey.

You will be more successful if you have decided on the type of image you want to convey. But this should not only be incorporated in your business card. It should also be seen in all marketing materials for your business including leaflets, brochures, website, magazines, logo and others. After that, you can then choose a color that would be effective for that kind of image.

10. Look for inspiration.

Another good way of choosing good colors for your business card is by looking at other’s cards. But it doesn’t mean that you should imitate theirs. Use them as inspiration for your own business card. After seeing a showcase of different business cards, you will surely be inspired to make yours.

It’s Your Turn Now

Choosing colors is indeed very much important for a business card design. With the tips we have given above, we hope that you will be able to pick a color palette that would befitting to your business and industry. If you have succeeded to choose the right color, then you will surely be able to create an effective business card design. How about you? How do you choose colors for your business card?

11 July 2012

A business card comes in different styles and designs. But all of them serve the same purpose of leaving contact information to clients in order to invite them into their business. A business card is important for whatever type of service or product one offers. When one leaves a client, it serves as a representation of the person and a company. It is one sure way to keep the client reminded that the company is still there, ready to serve them. It is also important so that the client can contact you whenever they want to.

Hence, a business card has to be memorable. If not, it might just be placed anywhere, thrown, ripped or just forgotten. If you design a business card that is worth keeping, your company’s chance to work for them has also increased. So, if you want your business card to be noticed and appreciated, make it unique. You have to see to it that your business card design is effective in order to reach your goal. Here are some tips to help you create a business card that will mark in your client’s memory.

1. Be very creative.

Only business cards that can stand out from the rest would leave a good mark on the client’s memory. Just be sure that your business card design will fit to your niche and your company so that it will not mislead your clients. Be creative but do not overdo. See to it also that you can place all the necessary contents in the business cards whatever design you make.

2. Use attractive and unique colors.

When we say attractive colors, these could refer to those colors that are bright and lively. It would include the color red. Red is very catchy. When you use black as background for your business card, it can also get the attention of the clients because it is unique. Try to make colorful business cards and try to make those which are monochromatic, too. This type of cards work.

3. Place pictures.

Some business cards make use of pictures. Some do not just place a certain image but really fill the entire card with a picture. It would be like a picture handed to you with some vital personal information and contact numbers. It surely looks unique especially if the picture is intentionally taken for the business card.

You can also make use of typography to make your business card eye-catching. Be sure to choose the right font style that is appropriate for your niche. Layout your text in an artistic manner and use good colors, too. In doing that, you should always make sure that it reflects your company and your industry. It is very important for a business card represents you and the company.

It doesn’t have to be rectangle all the time. You can try different shapes, too. Some createsquare cards, circles, ovals, triangles and other custom shapes. Your client will surely be happy to see that your business card is so unique. You can choose a shape that would fit the type of business you have. For sure, it will be remembered by your client.

6. Use cartoons.

Try to look for someone who can customize a cartoon for you. You will be able to establish a brand using a character illustration. That character can also be used for your website and other company promotions. You can also try using other cartoon sketches if you do not want to use a mascot.

7. Try three-dimensional pop outs.

For sure, your clients will be amazed to see a pop-out business card. There are already some companies and individuals who use this and the result are very stunning. One can certainly remember your business card if there is something that pops out being the highlight of your card.

8. Use a different material.

Well, it doesn’t have to be paper all the time. It could be a fabric, leather, sand paper, wood, plastic and others. You might not believe it that there are even some business cards on food like meat, chocolate bars and others. No doubt, anyone could remember your business card if it is edible! But be sure that they have saved your contact number before they munch on it.

9. Make it useful.

Some people are really very creative when it comes to their business card design. They make business cards that are not just appealing but also functional. There are business cards that serve as pen holders, hair clip holders, bottle openers, bookmarks, bag tags and others. Making it useful is another smart way of creating a business card that can certainly be remembered.

10. Include quotations.

If you have a favourite quote or you have a tagline for your business, you can place it on your business card. This can make your business card memorable because of what you have written in it. It can be a motivation for others and they will also be able to know the principles the company has through your quotations.

11. Make it fun.

Another great way of making it look unforgettable and unique is adding a touch of fun to it. There are business cards that can be made into airplanes, cars and others. They sure look fun and can even be displayed. This can undoubtedly make your card very unforgettable.

12. Add some texture.

Instead of just the plain business card, you can make it unique by adding some texture to it. It could make your card worth keeping. There are printing services that can add some texture to your paper. You can also emboss some letters on it. Or you could use a different material for a totally different texture. You can also add some stuff on it like the sample above.

It’s Your Turn Now

There are so many ways on how you can create a business card that will mark in the memory of your clients. Just use your creativity. Along with that, you have to make sure that your design is suited to your company and your niche. In whatever design you make, always see to it that you placed everything that needs to be written in a business card. Even if your business card is no longer a “card”, the contents are still the same. Have you tried designing a business card that is very unique? Would you like to share that to us? Or you might want to add some tips above. Feel free to do so.

6 July 2012

One of the best software programs to work with in creating beautiful artworks is Photoshop. With Photoshop, you will be able to turn a dull photograph into an extraordinary creative one which can attract the eye of the viewer. If you are still a beginner who is trying to learn more about Photoshop or perhaps striving hard to master several complicated techniques then this post of newly released photoshop tutorials will definitely help you. We searched the web for you and compiled some photoshop tutorials that were introduced by photoshop lovers just this month May.

Here are the 30 Photoshop Tutorials Released In May 2012 that will brush up your skills and will help make you a skilled designer. Do not just browse this list. It would be better if you will attempt to follow the detailed steps to effective optimize your skills. Have fun!